When pulling a vehicle over for a faulty brake light, something didn't "smell" right and the trooper took a closer look. While investigating a fender bender the trooper observed indications of driver impairment and took a closer look.

Looking beyond the traffic stop

While traveling home from a long shift in the Tampa district, Trooper Brandon Hoaglan came upon a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer with a faulty brake light. He made the traffic stop, and learned through a routine computer check that the driver was driving on a suspended license.

After placing him under arrest and conducting a routine search of the vehicle, Trooper Hoaglan found a plastic bag in the rear of the Blazer that contained three pounds of Marijuana. The Blazer's passenger was also arrested. Both men were transported to the Hernando County Jail on felony drug charges. This is just one example of how looking beyond the traffic stop can yield unexpected results.

Looking past the traffic crash

What began as a routine traffic crash in Pasco County led to a notable drug seizure and the removal of the suspect from a Florida highway in Land-O-Lakes. While working the scene of the traffic crash, Trooper Larry Kraus detected a number of indicators that one of the drivers was impaired. With his crash investigation complete, Trooper Kraus continued with a DUI investigation that ended with an arrest. With the subject secured, Trooper Kraus located a loaded semi-automatic firearm next to the driver's seat. But the search did not stop there.

Trooper Kraus then uncovered 74 Ecstasy pills, 3.5 grams of cocaine, and over 23 grams of Marijuana, along with over $400 in cash. The seized drugs, firearm, and cash have an estimated street value in excess of $1,750. The suspect was immediately taken to the Pasco County Jail.

Troopers Hoaglan and Kraus are to be commended for looking beyond the routine to help keep our highways a safer place to travel - good job!